More than 150 players from the men’s doubles circuit have signed an open letter addressed to the ATP leadership to express their opposition to proposed reforms that could transform the future of the discipline. The initiative, also backed by more than 20 national federations and tennis legends, calls on the governing bodies to reconsider the changes and open a dialogue with players.
The controversy emerged after players learned during Wimbledon that the ATP was reviewing its doubles regulations, with proposals that could reduce the size of doubles draws and cut prize money allocated to the discipline starting in 2028. According to the signatories, these measures would not only limit opportunities to compete on the professional circuit but also put the possibility of building a sustainable career at risk, away from the spotlight of singles tennis.
ATP reforms threaten the future of doubles
Among the proposals causing the greatest concern is the reduction of doubles draws across the circuit. Under the plans disclosed so far, ATP Masters 1000 tournaments would feature just 16 doubles teams, while ATP 500 and ATP 250 events would limit their main draws to eight pairs. These changes would significantly reduce the number of available spots and, consequently, specialists’ opportunities to compete in top-level tournaments.
The financial aspect is also central to the dispute. The reforms would reportedly reduce the share of prize money allocated to doubles from 20% to 10%, transferring approximately $20 million to singles competitions. In their letter, players warn that this redistribution would make it more difficult for talented athletes to develop and maintain professional careers. In their view, a healthy circuit needs to offer opportunities beyond a small group of stars and ensure that doubles specialists can compete and earn a living from their discipline.
Sem Verbeek leads the call to protect professional doubles
Sem Verbeek, the 2025 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion and one of the campaign’s leading figures, expressed concern about the impact the reforms could have on both current players and future generations. Speaking to The Guardian, he argued that the process threatens the history, present and future of men’s professional doubles, while putting the livelihoods of numerous athletes and the dreams of young players who aspire to pursue the discipline professionally at risk.
Verbeek also criticized the lack of collaboration with the ATP during the review, noting that players had submitted requests, figures and ideas without receiving a response. The organization, meanwhile, has defended the need to find a sustainable long-term model. In a Q&A published on its website, ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi stated that doubles would remain a fundamental part of the circuit and explained that the review aims to address the needs of tournaments and fans while encouraging professional development. Players, however, insist that any transformation must be shaped through discussions with those who compete in the discipline, without pitting the interests of singles and doubles against each other.
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